HEALTH SECTOR NEWS
Engaging children with science encourages long-term interest
Engaging children early with science can have long-term impacts on subject choices at GCSE and A level, and improve uptake of STEM subjects, new research from the University of Nottingham’s School of Psychology finds. The research suggests out-of-school science activities, research participation, and a child’s family interest, can increase knowledge and interest in science, resulting in a higher likelihood of studying a STEM subject at an advanced level. The study, published in Research for All, an open- access journal, investigated the impact of Summer Scientist Week, an annual, five- day, out-of-school science engagement event for 4-11-year-olds and their families at the University of Nottingham which introduces primary school age children to psychology-related research and activities about the mind and brain. Findings from interviews with children and parents there, and survey data from previous attendees, indicated an increase in knowledge and interest in science maintained over several years, influencing ‘A’ level subject choice. The University explained: “Children interviewed after participating in the
Funding available for low-carbon heat network projects
Global heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration specialist, Carrier, is urging building owners and operators to apply for UK government grants to commercialise and construct new low- and zero-carbon heat networks before the funding application deadline expires.
research activities expressed an interest in finding out more about the brain, findings from the studies they participated in, and how researchers use these findings. Parents also reported that engagement with Summer Scientist Week activities had led to an increase in their children’s interest in science.” Professor Lucy Cragg, of the
University’s School of Psychology, said: “We know engaging children in STEM subjects can be a challenge, and that they are often seen as difficult subjects, so often aren’t pursued by young people. By introducing children to science-based subjects outside of school at a young age we have shown there are clear benefits to engaging them early with these topics. This underlines the importance of making science accessible and fun.”
‘Sustainable design’ for Edenbridge’s new health centre
Galliford Try’s Building – Southern business has successfully handed over the £12.2 m Edenbridge Memorial Health Centre (EMHC) in Four Elms Road, Edenbridge, in Kent. Developed on behalf of GB
Partnerships, and in partnership with Community Health NHS Foundation Trust, Edenbridge Medical Practice, and Kent and Medway Clinical Commissioning Group, the EMHC includes community areas and rooms, ‘putting health services at the heart of
the community, and bringing together a wide range of health services to make healthcare more accessible to all’. Designed by LSI Architects, the part two-storey building houses public services on the ground floor, and staff amenities on the first. Facilities include a GP practice, outpatient services, a minor injury unit, X-ray services, phlebotomy, therapies, and social prescribing, along with parking and landscaping. In addition to incorporating a memorial garden area for conservation, and an emphasis on health, wellbeing, and lifestyle services, the centre has been designed to be sustainable, and ‘in keeping with the local environment’. The project also includes a Section 278 agreement for a new entrance and associated bus stop reconfiguration.
20 Health Estate Journal February 2024
Carrier said: “There are a number of Net Zero funding incentives available in the UK, including the Green Heat Network Fund (GHNF) – a capital grant programme that opened in March 2022 to help public, private, and third sector organisations in England develop low- and zero- carbon heat and cooling networks. The popularity of the initial £288 m fund has meant more funding is available, and can be drawn down in fiscal years 2023/24 through 2026/27.” After six rounds of applications, there are five more opportunities to apply, with the next round closing on 23 February 2024.
According to the UK Government Heat and Buildings Strategy, heat pumps and heat networks are ‘proven scalable options for decarbonising heat’, and will play substantial roles in achieving Net Zero targets. The Strategy says deploying at least 600,000 hydronic heat pumps annually to replace fossil fuel boilers by 2028 ‘can keep the UK on track to reach Net Zero’.
Carrier ‘underscored its commitment to helping the UK achieve Net Zero’ with a new line of high temperature and very high temperature heat pumps. Designed to reduce both carbon emissions and energy costs, the AquaForce (see photo) and AquaSnap air and water source heat pumps offer capacities from 30 to 735 kW, and water temperatures up to 120 °C, and use low GWP hydrofluoroolefin refrigerants.
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